City of Laredo Water Company

Why we're sharing this report: This document provides information about the City of Laredo water system, including water sources, detected contaminant levels, and compliance with municipal water standards. We hope this helps you become better informed about your tap water.

SOURCES OF MUNICIPAL WATER: Municipal water sources nationwide (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water flows over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, storm runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

OUR WATER SOURCE: The City of Laredo uses surface water from the Rio Grande River. We treat and filter this water according to federal and state standards to remove potential contaminants.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) completed an assessment indicating some sources may be susceptible to certain contaminants. Sampling requirements for Laredo's water system are based on this susceptibility and previous data. For more information on assessments and protection efforts, contact Wenceslao Barberena at 956-795-2620.

ABOUT CONTAMINANTS: When municipal water meets federal standards, there may not be health benefits to purchasing bottled water or filtration systems. All water, including bottled water, contains small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

1. Where does City of Laredo water come from?
   City of Laredo supplies surface water to Laredo, Texas.
2. Does City of Laredo test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, City of Laredo must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact City of Laredo?
   Call 956-727-6400 or visit 1102 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 78043, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does City of Laredo water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is City of Laredo water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.